Oct. 4, 2010
AUBURN, Ala. - Three Auburn men's tennis student-athletes competed Monday as junior Alex Stamchev and sophomore Tim Hewitt took part in the D'Novo/ITA All-American Tennis Championships in Tulsa, Okla., and sophomore Michael Wardell concluded competition at the Georgia Tech Invitational in Atlanta.
Stamchev kicked off the ITA tournament with a straight-set, 6-2, 6-2, victory over California's Jonathan Dahan in the opening round of the Men's Singles Qualifying Draw. Stamchev continues competition Tuesday with a match against Duke's Fred Saba.
"It was a very good win for Alex (Stamchev) and he played very well," head coach Eric Shore said. "He has the ability to play even better and will have the opportunity to do so tomorrow."
Hewitt opened the tournament with a tough battle against SEC-rival Sadio Doumbia of Georgia. Doumbia took the first set, 6-1, and then came from behind to top Hewitt in the second set, 7-6 (6). Hewitt is set to face Connor Smith of Florida State in the consolation final.
"Tim (Hewitt) showed a lot of positive things on the court today," Shore said. "I'm proud of how he fought in the second set and he is making some really good progress so far in the fall."
Stamchev and Hewitt will begin doubles competition Tuesday as the two will pair up and face Virginia's Philippe Oudshoom and Steven Rooda in the Men's Doubles Qualifying Draw.
Wardell reached the consolation "A" final at the Georgia Tech Invitational after picking up two wins on Sunday. He faced UAB's David Zimmerman and fell in two sets (6-2, 6-4).
"I'm very proud of the way Michael (Wardell) competed throughout the tournament," associate head coach Gabor Pelva said. "He is constantly improving and is a hard worker out on the court. We're looking forward to seeing him do well as the fall season continues."
Competition continues for Stamchev and Hewitt at the D'Novo/ITA All-American Tennis Championships Tuesday starting at 8 a.m. as Stamchev continues singles competition.